Author: capital
Pakistan makes major strides in regulatory reforms
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken bold steps forward in modernising its regulatory landscape, delivering significant enhancements to anti-money laundering safeguards, corporate transparency, and the simplicity of starting a business, initiatives that have positioned the country as a more competitive and compliant player on the global stage. At the heart of these achievements is the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), which earned the title of national “Reforms Champion” from the prime minister in December 2025 during the launch of the National Regulatory Reforms initiative. The recognition highlights the regulator’s dedication…
Read MoreTTAP chief warns of deepening political crisis
LAHORE: Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Sunday warned that Pakistan risked further fragmentation if constitutional violations and political repression continued unchecked, saying some regions could be pushed toward declaring separation within months if the crisis deepened. Addressing a news conference and public interactions in Lahore, Achakzai said the country was facing an “existential moment” driven not by external threats but by internal injustices, erosion of democratic norms and repeated interference with the Constitution. He described the TTAP movement as a final alarm, likening it to an SOS call…
Read MorePakistan watches Iran unrest warily, fears spillover from any instability
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad is closely following the situation in Iran and does not want an upheaval in the neighbouring country, as any major instability across the border would have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s security, economy and regional standing. Islamabad understands that a section of the Iranian population is protesting against inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living but there is also a clear concern within Pakistan’s security and diplomatic circles that Iranian dissidents based abroad are actively trying to amplify the unrest and push it in a particular political direction.…
Read MoreMinister of Foreign Affairs Petr Macinka in Kiev
By Muhammad Sohail Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka visited Kiev on Friday, January 9, where he held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha. This was his second working trip abroad since taking office as Minister. The main topics of the talks between the heads of diplomacy were the Czechs’ relations with Ukrainian refugees, cooperation in the field of drone warfare, and current peace negotiations. “Ukraine has demonstrated a great will to end the war and has made significant concessions. Thanks to the active role of the US, space is…
Read MoreCold wave triggers surge in flu, respiratory illnesses across Punjab
The province of Punjab is facing a growing public health challenge as an intense cold wave continues to sweep across the region, triggering a sharp rise in respiratory and viral illnesses. Lahore and other major cities are witnessing an unprecedented rush at public hospitals, where doctors report a continuous increase in patients suffering from super flu, influenza, viral infections, chest complications, pneumonia and high fever. A survey of patient flow at major government hospitals in Lahore reveals a troubling situation. Over the past 24 hours, more than 1,000 patients with…
Read MoreCentre committed to K-P’s development: PM
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that the timely completion of federally funded development projects in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the resolution of public issues were among the top priorities of the incumbent government. He said the federal government was “fully aware” of the problems faced by the people of K-P and was taking tangible steps within its jurisdiction to ensure sustainable solutions. The prime minister expressed these views in a meeting with K-P political representatives, the PM Office Media Wing said in a statement. During the meeting, a detailed…
Read MoreWater filtration plants to be transferred to PSPC
RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has decided to transfer all existing water filtration plants in the Rawalpindi division to the Punjab Saaf Pani Company to ensure the provision of clean drinking water according to health standards. New filtration plants will also be installed in areas currently without such facilities. Consultation between the Rawalpindi administration and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has been finalised. WASA will present a comprehensive report on existing and proposed filtration plants to the commissioner. At present, WASA Rawalpindi manages 127 water filtration plants within the city.…
Read MoreUS Senate advances resolution to curb Trump’s war powers in Venezuela
The US Senate advanced a resolution on Thursday that would bar President Donald Trump from taking further military action against Venezuela without congressional authorization, paving the way for further consideration in the 100-member chamber. The vote on a procedural measure to advance the war powers resolution was 52 to 47, as five of Trump’s fellow Republicans voted with every Democrat in favor of moving ahead. One Republican senator did not vote. The vote took place days after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a dramatic military raid in…
Read MoreChina slams ships seizure by US
China has said that the arbitrary detention of foreign vessels in international waters by the United States constitutes a serious violation of international law. A day earlier, Moscow condemned the move, with Russian experts describing it as “state-level piracy.” China’s response followed an announcement by the US European Command that it had seized an oil tanker linked to Venezuela and registered as a Russian vessel during an operation in the North Atlantic on Wednesday. Speaking at a regular press briefing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing…
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